This is a very difficult CD to review because there are so many twists and turns, how you feel about it depends on the mood you’re in. If I were Mr. Mantel, I would have broken up the CD into two volumes: the bump and grind volume where you can get close to your lady, snuggle up and get your groove on, and the harder volume that’s more like being in the dentist chair getting hammered.

The music is relaxing and the suave guitar playing by Mantel excels. Mantel has multi-style talent but the closest guitarist to his style I would say is Steve Howe (Yes), especially with the track “Affectionately Yours.” The guitar playing overshadows any track that has vocals, only because Mantel can shred with the best of them and tears it up, especially on “Only Want Your Love.” I mean, you get pop sounds like the Jackson Five as well as jazz fusion like Herbie Hancock. I wouldn’t say I’m downgrading the release but I feel the drawback is the extensive variety in the track listing. If Mantel had made the A-side all instrumental and B-side all pop rock, that would be fine for some; but why should I pay $20.00 for a CD when I’ll only listen to half of it? If you have the ear for guitar this CD is right up your alley as the virtuoso-like guitar playing of Mantel is way above the norm. Personally, I got left in the dust on this one because the technical side of musicianship is above the knowledge of my dumb ass. I liked the harder tunes and the instrumental fusion tunes. Mantel is a god. “Affectionately Yours” is the highlight track.